- Men’s Revival Initiative in Bizana: The Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality hosted a Men’s Revival at the Multi-Purpose Youth Centre, bringing together community leaders and government departments to address critical issues affecting men and communities.
- Emphasis on Collaboration Between Community and Traditional Leaders: The programme aimed to strengthen cooperation between community leaders, especially Chiefs and local headmen, to ensure awareness and inclusion in matters like initiation schools, with new collaboration tools set to be introduced.
- Addressing Key Community Issues: The revival provided a platform to discuss urgent social issues such as underage circumcision, traditional leadership roles, women abuse, unemployment, substance abuse, and spiritual calling.
On 3 September 2025, the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality (WMMLM) convened a Men’s Revival (Imbizo yamadoda) at the Multi-Purpose Youth Centre in Ward 01, Bizana. The programme, which began at 10:00, brought together traditional leaders, local organisations, and government departments to engage on critical issues facing men and communities.
Speaking on behalf of the Mayor’s Office, Qaphelani Magini, from the Special Programmes Unit, emphasised that the municipality’s executive committee prioritises decisions that affect special groups such as people with disabilities, children, elders, and the youth.
“The aim of organising the Men’s Revival programme is to strengthen collaboration between the initiation forum and community leaders. While we often work with Chiefs, sometimes local headmen are not aware of where initiation schools (iBhoma) are built. Strengthening this collaboration will ensure everyone is included. From this summer season, we will be launching new collaboration tools to chart the way forward,” he said.
Ntethelelo Ntsethe, from the Ubunye Bethu Forum, outlined how the organisation brings together initiation schools from both AmaHlubi and AmaXhosa traditions. He noted that the forum was established to address tensions that often arise between abakhwetha after circumcision.
Representing the uDonga Lewezibonda Association, Secretary Mr Mboneleli welcomed the engagement but urged for stronger commitment from the municipality:
“When invitations come from the municipality, we expect hosts to be present. Our association was established to address recognition and compensation for structures that play key roles in initiation matters but are often overlooked.”
The Revival created a platform to address pressing issues, including:
- Underage circumcision
- The role of traditional leaders
- Women abuse
- Unemployment
- Substance abuse
- Spiritual calling
Government stakeholders such as the Department of Social Development, Department of Education, SAPS, Alfred Nzo District Municipality, and the South African Youth Council also presented, highlighting the need for joint solutions to community challenges.
Cllr Makhosandile Mphetshwa, a member of the Mayoral Executive Committee, applauded the initiative:
“We need more men to realise the huge role they play in shaping our communities to be better. This gathering is a step in the right direction.”
The Men’s Revival was hailed as a vital step in fostering unity, accountability, and collaboration between men, traditional leaders, and community structures.
